Belgium Explored: 25 Must-See archaeological sites to Add to Your Bucket List
Unveil the top 25 must-visit archaeological sites in Belgium with our expertly curated list. Immerse yourself in 25 best archaeological sites to visit or discover the hidden treasures with our list of 25 must-visit archaeological sites. Don’t miss out on Belgium’s best with 25 top-rated archaeological sites to experience.
Information about Belgium
Belgium is a European country located between Germanic and Latin Europe, and it is one of the founding members of the European Union. The country hosts many international and European institutions such as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. It is a relatively small country with an area of approximately 30,000 km2 and a population of about 11 million. It is one of the culturally and linguistically diverse countries in Europe, as its population speaks several languages, including Dutch, French and German. As for its capital and largest country, it is the beautiful Brussels, which is frequented by tourists from all over the world. Belgium is famous for its three natural regions, which are divided into the coast, the central region with high altitudes, and the third region, which is an area dotted with wildlife and forests. In all of these areas, you will be able to find many rivers such as the Platypus River, lakes and amazing caves that make this country a haven for nature lovers and those looking for calm and relaxation. This country is also distinguished by its mild climate, which is cold in winter and warm in summer, so it is preferable to visit it in the summer if you like outdoor activities.
A list of the best Archaeological sites in Belgium
Get ready to explore the ultimate archaeological sites destinations in Belgium with our carefully crafted list of top-rated spots. We’ve done the research for you, scouring the reviews of countless visitors to bring you the most unforgettable experiences. Let us be your guide.
1- Provinciaal Hof
Provinciaal Hof – Bruges has impressive medieval architecture mixed with some impressive 19th century buildings. This landmark is one of the most beautiful in the city, a building designed in the stunning Gothic style. Located on the Grote Markt, the famous shopping square in the city centre, housing the seat of government and the post office, it is the former meeting place for the provincial government of West Flanders.
Place address: Provincial Court, Markt 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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2- De Vos Almshouse
De Vos Almshouse – This distinguished complex consists of a group of homes for the poor, widows and the elderly. It is one of 46 dwelling houses in central Bruges. It was founded by Adriane de Vos, a wealthy merchant and philanthropist in Bourges. The complex was built in 1480 and was built at that time, near the city wall and Beguinage. Each house was set up by a particular institution, such as a hospital or a guild, for example, a guild or building association, with the aim of benefiting the elderly or the poor.
Place address: Godshuis de Vos, Noordstraat 14, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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3- Burg Square
Burg Square – This place was already inhabited in the 2nd century AD, and in the 9th century, it became the base of operations of the Count of Flanders The Palace of Liberty in Bruges was the place where from the late Middle Ages he ruled the surrounding countryside until 1795, then occupied by law courts for nearly 200 years Buildings To the left of the 14th-century Town Hall you’ll find the Old Court of Justice, a rare example of Renaissance architecture in Bruges, and to the right you’ll find the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where the remains of the Holy Blood are.
Place address: Burg Square, Burg 15, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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4- Parc du Cinquantenaire
Parc du Cinquantenaire – This wonderful natural site consists of a wide range of gardens filled with various antiquities and museums. It is dominated by a triumphal arch with three small arches. The park hosts many activities throughout the year such as events and celebrations, fireworks displays, sporting events, concerts, and more. This interesting place was built in the year 1880 AD, on the fiftieth anniversary of Belgium’s independence. It has now become one of the most beautiful and lively tourist spots in the city.
Place address: Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
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5- Church of Our Lady
Church of Our Lady – The Church of Our Lady in Bruges dates mainly from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. The church tower, with a height of 122.3 meters, is the tallest building in the city and the second tallest brick tower in the world (the tallest is St. Martin’s Church in Germany). In the choir-yard behind the high altar are the tombs of Charles the Bold, last Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter, Marie, Duchess. The church’s large fresco adorns the church’s most famous treasure in the world, a white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child created by Michelangelo around 1504.
Place address: Church of Our Lady Bruges, Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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6- Belfry
Belfry – wonderful, amazing view over the entire city of Bruges and its surroundings; This is what you get after climbing the 366 steps to the top of the bell tower. This 83-meter-high building dates back to the 13th century. It is also a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built as part of the medieval town halls, this tower now houses the ancient sacristy, the carillon and its impressive 47 bells.
Place address: Belfry of Bruges, Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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7- Bruges City Hall
Bruges City Hall – The Bruges municipality building is one of the oldest buildings in the entire region. It is located in Bourges Square, in the same area as the ancient fortified castle. It is distinguished by its Gothic-inspired design, as this design testifies to the economic and political power of the city. Today, visitors flock to this important archaeological site, which has become a symbol of Bruges.
Place address: Burg 12, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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8- Historical Leuven Town hall
Historical Leuven Town hall – The historic town hall is the pride of Louvain. Moreover, it is one of the most famous Gothic halls all over the world. It took three engineers thirty years to build it. The hall houses 236 statues added to the facade after 1850. Tours are organized to get to know the hall, the guide will tell you about the history of the creation of the Gothic gems, and you will discover the story behind the carvings on the facade. Afterwards, you can visit the foyer, the reception rooms, the Gothic Great and Small Hall, the Wedding Hall, and the Council Chamber.
Place address: Historical Leuven Town hall, Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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9- Saint Martin’s Church
Saint Martin’s Church – The main church in the city of Kortrijk, the Church of St. Martin, which dates back to the medieval period, so it appears in its details and interior decoration, Gothic architectural designs, from arches and stained glass windows, in addition to the wooden pyramidal roof, and the church is intended for many individuals to worship and contemplate its architectural beauty .
Place address: Jozef Vandaleplein, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
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10- Town Hall
Town Hall – The Town Hall is a Gothic building from the Middle Ages. It is located on the famous Grand Place in Brussels opposite the Museum of the City of Brussels. It is the only remaining medieval building and is considered a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture. The oldest part of the current Town Hall is the east wing and was completed in 1420. A second, somewhat taller wing was built over the existing structure, where Charles the Bold laid his first stone in 1444.
Place address: Brussels Town Hall, Grand Place 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
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11- National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg – This church ranks fifth among the largest churches in the world, and it is famous for containing Catholic domes with two large towers, and inside there are two museums that organize different annual exhibitions suitable for all ages, and you can climb to the top and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view from the top of the church on the city of Brussels, and the church also includes A restaurant that provides visitors with delicious snacks and drinks while they wander inside the large church.
Place address: National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, 1083 Bruxelles, Belgium
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12- Collegiate Church Saint Gertrude
Collegiate Church Saint Gertrude – The Church of Saint Gertrude is one of the oldest and most sacred buildings in the city, dating back to the year 1046 AD. With prayer, and at the top of the church tower there is a unique octagonal bell.
Place address: 1400 Nivelles, Belgium
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13- Grand-Place de Mons
Grand-Place de Mons – The Grand Place de Mons is what is called the most famous central square located in the historical center of the Belgian city of Mons, and it is usually crowded with visitors and tourists from different regions, as this cobbled square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants from various sides, so there is nothing more beautiful than drinking a cup of hot coffee with A stunning view of the archaeological sites and ancient historical buildings, and there are many shops that you can visit to shop and buy your needs.
Place address: Grand Place, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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14- Dinant Citadel
Dinant Citadel – Dinant Castle, which was built in 1815 AD, located at the top of the hill near the Meuse Valley, which provides it with unique views of the city and the banks of the river, and the castle is accessed through side stairs, or by cable car, and upon arrival visitors can wander inside the castle and learn about its history And also scenes of representational performances of the events that took place in the castle in the past.
Place address: Chem. de la Citadelle 1, 5500 Dinant, Belgium
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15- Provincial Court
Provincial Court – Built in two phases (1887-1892 and 1914-1921), the majestic Provincial Court House is neo-Gothic in design and was once the meeting place for the provincial government of West Flanders. Like Hendrik and Gustaaf Pickery, they executed interior decoration, stained-glass windows, and ironwork.
Place address: Markt 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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16- Broel towers
Broel towers – Broly Towers, which are famous for being one of the most important landmarks that are considered a symbol of the city, the western tower was built in 1385 AD, and then the northern tower in 1415 AD, in the medieval period, with the aim of controlling the movement of boats in the river, and also as a storehouse for weapons, and the towers are The last existing parts of the city wall, which are visited by tourists and locals, to contemplate its details and learn its history.
Place address: Broelkaai, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
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17- Castle of Crevecoeur
Castle of Crevecoeur – Krivikwer Castle, dating back to the fourteenth century, specifically to the year 1320, when the castle helped protect the city throughout the ages, from raids and attacks, which destroyed part of it, and now on the site there are remnants of the walls surrounding it, in addition to the corridors and internal alleys that visitors can wander through And reach the round tower.
Place address: 5500 Dinant, Belgium
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18- Maison du patrimoine médiéval mosan
Maison du patrimoine médiéval mosan – Musan heritage house, which dates back to the medieval period, and reflects in the corners, halls and rooms, the prestigious heritage, through furniture, designs and interior decorations, in addition to many activities that visitors can do, including building models of small monuments, as well as visiting internal exhibitions Which includes antiques and pieces of a number of local industries.
Place address: Place du Bailliage 16, 5500 Dinant, Belgium
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19- Pont de Fragnée
Pont de Fragnée – Farajneh Bridge is one of the most beautiful old bridges in the city, as its construction dates back to the year 1904 AD. The bridge rises above three arches linked by engraved columns, on top of which are unique bronze statues. As for the edge of the bridge, a fence of iron covered with blue and yellow extends along it. In the middle, there are separate roads for vehicles and pedestrians.
Place address: 4020 Liège, Belgium
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20- Brusselpoort
Brusselpoort – The Brussels Port Gate is a distinctive archaeological landmark dating back to the thirteenth century. It is part of the old city walls, as it allowed the entry and exit of individuals and livestock through its stone corridor. The gate still remains intact and is visited by many tourists and locals who contemplate The beauty of its external facade, and taking the most beautiful memorial photos of it.
Place address: Van Benedenlaan 4, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
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21- Belfry of Courtrai
Belfry of Courtrai – One of the best monuments visited by tourists and locals alike, the Belfry Courtrai Tower, which is known in Dutch as the bell tower, dates back to the Middle Ages. The tower was used in the past as a center and observation point for the city, and inside it are the city’s archives and treasuries, and the tower is visited by tourists Now to contemplate its ancient architectural details, and take memorial photos.
Place address: Grote Markt, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
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22- The Grand Hornu
The Grand Hornu – Grand Horno is located in the heart of the Belgian province of Hainaut. It has been classified as a World Heritage site for humanity by UNESCO since 2012. It is described as an industrial gem dating back to the nineteenth century. It contains one of the most important exhibitions specialized in contemporary art in Belgium. A number of Belgian architectural treasures as well, and many activities and events that suit different age groups are also held in it.
Place address: Rue Sainte-Louise 82, 7301 Boussu, Belgium
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23- Belfry of Tournai
Belfry of Tournai – The Bell Tower of Tournai is one of the most prominent ancient buildings in the city, which attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as locals, who want to learn more about the history of this beautiful tower, and see the charming views of the city from its high balcony, and there is also a private restaurant where people can sit. On the benches watching the beautiful sunset, while eating delicious meals.
Place address: Vieux Marché aux Poteries, 7500 Tournai, Belgium
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24- Groeningepoort
Groeningepoort – The Groningport Arch, located in front of the entrance to a public park of the same name, which was erected on the Groningport battlefield, where visitors will clearly see the inscriptions engraved on the arch, and the flags fluttering over its castle-like surface, with the emblem of the armies, and tourists take pictures near the arch, as a memory Lovely while spending their time in the city.
Place address: Plein, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
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25- Moinho de Damme
Moinho de Damme – Dam Mill, one of the most important monuments of the city, with a long history, which is known as a symbol of identification, was established in 1622 AD, and was used to produce flour that was sold to Paris, and visitors can tour and watch the mill building, and learn more about the process of producing flour in the foot and the machines used in it.
Place address: Noorweegse Kaai 4, 8340 Damme, Belgium
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Conclusion
As your journey through Belgium comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Belgium such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!